There are many different types of wheelchair ramps to choose from. There are single-fold and double-fold types: removable wheelchair ramps, manual wheelchair ramps, and folding wheelchair ramps.
Whatever you choose should include at least one means of overcoming the height difference between your home and the access route to your front door.
What are Wheelchair Ramps?
Wheelchair ramps are a standard safety device on most walkways, steps, and platforms.
They allow people using wheelchairs to access places they may otherwise be difficult or impossible to reach.
Because wheelchair users can vary in their mobility and the level of assistance they need, the design of wheelchair ramps varies from simple to complex, depending on their intended use.
For example, a wheelchair ramp intended for temporary use should be lightweight and portable, easy to move or remove when no longer needed.
In contrast, a permanent wheelchair ramp will generally have a heavier-duty design to accommodate repeated use over an extended period.
Wheelchair ramps come in many designs and types depending on the degree of incline, weight capacity required, portability, and the traversed surface.
All wheelchair ramps have one thing in common: they provide safe access for people who use wheelchairs.
A ramp used by people with disabilities can be as simple as a board placed over a step or curb cut-out or as complex as an elevator with a door at each end.
Different Types of Wheelchair Ramps
1. Threshold Ramps
Threshold ramps are the most common type of wheelchair ramp. They are designed to connect a building with different levels.
This can be two stories, as in a residential situation, or from street level to a basement or other floors in a commercial setting.
Threshold ramps are also used to connect one building to another, such as in a mall.
Threshold ramps are typically made of metal and can be purchased in many different sizes to fit the needs of the specific situation.
The minimum width for threshold ramps is 36 inches, and for ramps connecting one building to another, 48 inches, but this is not always enough room for a large wheelchair.
Threshold ramps allow wheelchairs and scooters to enter or exit a building or room without going up or down steps. (Sometimes, the term “threshold ramp” is used for a different type of ramp, called a “running” ramp. We’ll get to running ramps later.)
Threshold ramps can be permanent or temporary. Permanent threshold ramps, which are sometimes called “wheelchair ramps,” are usually built into new construction and designed specifically for wheelchair use.
Temporary threshold ramps can be purchased and installed by anyone who wants to make a building more accessible.
They can also be built in place by hand if necessary. They’re beneficial for outdoor fairs, concerts, and sporting events where temporary access is needed.
If not built to current ADA standards, they may also be used in schools and other public buildings.
2. Lego-style Threshold Ramps
Lego-style threshold Ramps are sloping ramps built to fit easily with the existing architecture of a house or business.
They are designed to protect children and disabled people from tripping or falling when entering or exiting a building.
The Lego-style Threshold Ramp is essential in all accessible homes because it allows easy access to the wheelchair ramps that lead into the house or building.
The Lego-style Threshold Ramps also have great terrace and deck access solutions, making it much easier for people in wheelchairs to enjoy time on their deck.
Lego-style threshold ramp relies on gravity instead of friction to provide its effectiveness.
Made from durable polypropylene, these ramps have an extra-wide profile and are available in various lengths and styles to suit multiple applications.
Each corner has a gentle radius that makes it easier for carts or wheelchairs to pass, and there are no protruding parts that might catch or scratch the wheels or legs of users or bystanders.
The ramps come in various lengths and widths to fit different vehicles and driveways, and they can be easily cut with a utility knife to adapt to other uses.
They are lightweight enough that two people can carry them quickly but strong enough to support up to 2200 lb. per square foot. Ramps also feature slip-proof surfaces that give users a sure grip in transit.
3. Folding Ramps
Folding ramps are a recent development in wheelchair ramp technology. They are designed to be easier to store and transport than standard wheelchair ramps.
The folding ramp is lightweight aluminum and can be disassembled without tools, allowing you to store it away quickly when not in use.
Folding Ramps also have anti-skid feet that help prevent the ramp from sliding out or moving while in use.
Some folding ramps even come with a handrail attachment, making the ramp safer and easier to navigate.
If you need a folding wheelchair ramp for your home, you can choose from several styles, including those with no handrails, those with handrails on both sides and those on only one side.
You can find folding ramps for use outside the home and inside. Outdoor versions are typically larger than indoor versions.
They are also reinforced with steel cables to provide more support for heavier loads, such as lawn equipment or gardening supplies, being carried up to them.
Foldable wheelchair ramps are an excellent option for people with limited space or who cannot accommodate a more substantial ramp inside their homes.
Because they fold down into a smaller area, they take up less storage room when not in use.
4. Suitcase Ramps
Suitcase Ramps are portable, lightweight ramps made of aluminum and fold up to the size of a suitcase.
The Suitcase Ramp is used for temporary access to a home or vehicle, and these ramps are designed for one-time use.
The first Suitcase Ramp was designed and built by a person with quadriplegia in 1985.
He wanted to enter and exit his vehicle independently without having to call on others for assistance.
The Suitcase Ramp is ideal for many situations where a larger ramp is not practical or possible.
For example, construction sites, parking lots, boat docks, and driveways slope up to entrances.
They’re also much cheaper than ramps installed by contractors. Suitcase ramps aren’t permanent solutions or built with the same materials or craft.
They can be quite useful if you think of them as short-term solutions.
5. Telescoping Ramps
Telescoping Ramps are the most common type of wheelchair ramp. They are usually made of aluminum and come in different sizes.
They can be moved up and down easily, with wheels running along the ramp’s side.
They have handrails on each side for support and a lip at the end to hold wheelchairs in place.
The advantage of telescoping ramps is that they are portable, easy to set up, and easy to take apart.
They can be placed almost anywhere and are great for homes or businesses without enough room for traditional ramps or elevators.
Telescoping ramps have a few disadvantages; they cannot be used on slopes greater than a 3-inch rise per foot run, so they may not work in some situations.
Also, some users find that the handrails offer little support, given their lightweight design.
The biggest problem with telescoping ramps is that they cannot hold heavy loads (e.g., wheelchairs) if the slope is too steep or snow on the ground; therefore, in these conditions, it is best to use other types of wheelchair ramps.
6. Rollable Ramps
Rollable ramps are a good option for homeowners who do not have the space to store a permanent ramp. Rollable ramps are also a solution for people with limited financial resources.
These ramps can be used by individuals or in an emergency, such as during an evacuation due to hurricane damage.
The rollable ramp folds up and can be stored in the garage or basement of the home. Rollable Ramps, which can be moved manually or motorized. These are the kinds most commonly used today.
They come in two sizes: short, which reaches a maximum elevation of 10 feet and is used in stores, offices, and small homes, and long, which goes a maximum height of 20 feet and is used in public buildings and large homes.”
7. Modular Ramps
Modular wheelchair ramps are made up of straight sections of the ramp and a landing. They are easy to transport, set up, and take down.
The modular ramps are lightweight aluminum, easily folded and stacked for storage or transportation.
The modular wheelchair ramp is designed with slip-resistant post-ramps and can attach to the handrails on your steps.
Without attaching, you can place them anywhere on your steps or any other surface.
Modular wheelchair ramps are not just limited to steps; they can also be used as permanent ramps on hillsides and driveways.
The portable wheelchair ramp has a slip-resistant surface with a textured grip for your safety when using the ramp in an outdoor setting.
A modular wheelchair ramp is a safe option for anyone who temporarily or permanently needs one.
Modular Wheelchair Ramps are a great solution if you need a temporary ramp for everyday use or something more permanent for the future.
The modular wheelchair ramp is ideal for indoor and outdoor use and can be used by anyone from children to adults.
8. Permanent Ramps
Permanent ramps can be costly, but they have benefits. They must not be installed or removed whenever someone visits the residence.
However, permanent ramps may not be suitable for every situation. They might not work on steep driveways or narrow doorways.
Various options are available when it comes to designing a ramp for your home. The first thing you will want to do is consider what kind of ramp you want.
One option is a permanent ramp designed based on your desired specifications and installed directly into your home.
The other option is a portable ramp. These ramps are not fixed in one location and can be moved around depending on where they will be needed at any given time.
This option would work best for you if you need a ramp temporarily. If you are looking into installing a permanent ramp, choosing the least expensive option can be tempting.
This may seem like the best way to save money, but it can often prove to be more of a hassle than it’s worth.
The cheaper materials used for these ramps have been known to wear out quickly, making them unusable for those who need them most.
Furthermore, these types of ramps tend not to have safety rails built into them, which means that anyone using them could fall off if they aren’t careful or don’t pay attention to where they are going.
While a permanent ramp is always best, a temporary ramp may be a better choice in some instances.
Temporary ramps come in different sizes and materials. Many are made of aluminum, plastic, or wood and can be folded up for easy storage when not in use.
The type of ramp you choose will depend on your specific needs and the characteristics of the area to which you wish to provide access.
Ensuring the ramp is sturdy, durable, and suitable for the particular terrain is important.
Importance of Wheelchair Ramps
Knowing the different types of wheelchair ramps is important because they can be used by the physically challenged and handicapped who find it hard to go up some stairs.
A ramp’s steps can be curved, flat, level, or steeply inclined. One type of wheelchair ramp is the split ramp, which has two tracks that run side by side.
This type of ramp is good for steep inclines and inclines with a rise of just under 14 inches.
It can also be an alternative to a curb cut where two parallel carriageways are on the street, and vehicles park on one or both sides.
The split-ramp platform is installed to permit the vehicle tires to roll down into the street.
A single platform ramp is another type of wheelchair ramp with a single track, but it can still be used as an alternative to curb cuts.
These ramps are very useful in homes or public places with many curbs and slopes over 14 inches, but they are unsuitable for use with wheelchairs and other mobility devices.
Wheelchair ramps come in many different styles and colors, so there are many things to consider before choosing one.
Several types of wheelchair ramps are used for various reasons, and they should be well informed to provide the best service possible.
Tailor-made wheelchair ramps are among the most sought-after types, as they can be customized according to the user’s needs and requirements.
This type of wheelchair ramp has been designed to meet a particular individual’s needs and requirements.
They come with several features and attributes that make them the best option for individuals needing ramps for home use.
The features to be considered while making this selection are length, gradient, angle, surface area, construction material, and safety features.
If you have any questions about these or any other factors, you can visit the Ramp Guides website, where you will find all your queries answered.
Finding an expert who can give you correct guidance about these factors is crucial. Each model is designed to consider different factors, making it even more critical for users to choose carefully from the wide range of models available in the market.
Not all wheelchairs are built similarly, and not all can use standard wheelchair ramps. Some wheelchairs may be too heavy for a regular ramp.
A wheelchair also must have an angle of descent of no more than 8 degrees, and it must not exceed the aggregate length of forty-eight inches nor exceed a width of twenty-four inches.
The above overview will help you determine which type of wheelchair ramp will work best for you or your loved one.
